Breathtaking views, rich history, delectable wines and tranquillity is what makes the Winelands a perfect escape from the city without spending hours on the road. There is no better way to experience South Africa’s wine province and its breathtaking mountain ranges than a staycation on one of our popular wine farms.
THE MANOR HOUSE AT BLAAUWKLIPPEN WINE ESTATE
Blaauwklippen Manor in the Stellenbosch Winelands allows guests an opportunity to experience a modern luxurious stay without losing the rich historic feel of the estate. This Manor recently underwent renovations and prides itself on being a haven for small groups seeking a historic sense of place and an exclusive sense of space.
Housed in two historic buildings, Blaauwklippen Manor can sleep up to 20 people in 10 luxurious bedrooms. Every guest room is unique in style and décor and tastefully decorated with an eclectic mix of rich linen fabrics, over-sized beds, glittering chandeliers and modern amenities.
What to do while you’re there: The vineyard offers an array of unique wine and gin tasting pairing and experiences. From classic wine tasting to chocolate, macaron, or fudge paired with wine, or a Gin and nougat pairing.
Do lunch or dinner at Hamm & Uys, a busy country casual restaurant with classic Wineland’s elegance and modern touches. Their cuisine focuses on “the good, honest food you grew up with” combined with the chefs’ global culinary experiences and inspiration.
Where: R44 Strand Rd, Stellenbosch
Website: blaauwklippen.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 880 0133
Facebook: @Blaauwklippen | Instagram: @blaauwklippen
CAPE DUTCH-STYLE STAYS AT RICKETY BRIDGE WINERY
Rickety Bridge offers two historic Cape Dutch guest houses. The Manor House offers 5-star luxury and prime location, situated next to Paulina’s Restaurant on the estate and Basse Provence which offers guests 4-star amenities and is situated a stone throw away, on the neighbouring estate.
The Manor House at Rickety Bridge Winery is the epitome of countryside comfort offering 3 deluxe en-suite rooms with breathtaking views of the vineyards and Franschhoek Mountain ranges.
Guests can make use of The Manor House’s private swimming pool and two lounge areas to relax and take in the countryside. Breakfast is served in a quaint dining room with beamed ceilings and in the shade at the poolside on sunny mornings.
Luxurious facilities, carefully preserved antique pieces and timeless artwork comfortably blend contemporary with classic and results in a tranquil, inviting atmosphere. The second accommodation option is Basse Provence, a Manor House with 3 en-suite rooms, a Country House with 5 en-suite rooms and one two-bedroom cottage with views of a vine-green valley and ageless mountains.
The Manor House has a private swimming pool and breakfast can be enjoyed in the historic dining room or on the lawn on sunny mornings. This 1855 thatched Basse Provence Manor House and neighbouring Country House have been completely refurbished, blending traditional heritage with stylish modern luxury.
What to do while you’re there: The accommodation is a mere 5-minute walk through the vineyards and over the bridge from Paulina’s Restaurant and the Wine Tasting Centre. Cellar tours are on offer, as well as wine tasting experiences. Their pizza and wine pairing makes for a great lunch. Alternatively the vineyard boasts scenic garden walks, birdlife, and a chance to cycle on the wine farm.
Where: Main Rd, Franschhoek
Website: ricketybridge.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 876 2994
Facebook: @ricketybwinery | Instagram: @ricketybwinery
THE HOMESTEAD AT HAZENDAL
The Homestead, a luxurious exclusive-use 5- bedroom Cape Dutch home set in the heart of this historic Cape farm. The Homestead was built in 1790, the date is still inscribed on the eye-catching rococo-style gable.
An extensive restoration and renovation process have seen this landmark example of vernacular Cape Dutch architecture sensitively rejuvenated – and re-imagined – as a gracious Cape Dutch Farmstead offering an intimate yet elegant private home for discerning visitors who wish to escape to the Cape Winelands.
The Homestead features five en-suite luxury bedrooms, each named for one of the visionary families that have owned the estate over the past 320 years. The sumptuous suites – spread across two floors – feature inspiring interior decor subtly blending contemporary luxury with historical flourishes.
The Homestead is decorated with a remarkable collection of art, collectables and antique and original Cape Dutch furniture carefully chosen to transport guests to another era in the Winelands while reflecting the layered history and style of the building.
The Homestead also offers a library nook, intimate bar area and formal dining room, alongside a fully equipped modern kitchen. A private chef is available on request (at additional cost) to create a bespoke culinary experience within the comfort of the property.
What to do while you’re there: Hazendal offers a wide selection of unique experiences and ticks the boxes for both families or couples looking to escape the city buzz. From expert-led wine tasting sessions, Kleine Hazen Putting Course, classic car collection, to a uber-modern Wonderdal, an educational and sensory kids play centre, and much more.
Where: Bottelary Rd, Stellenbosch,
Website: hazendal.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 903 5034
Facebook: @hazendalwine | Instagram: @hazendal_estate
BUSH LODGE AT HIDDEN VALLEY WINES
Concealed on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, Bush Lodge at Hidden Valley Wines is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This tranquil environment offers guests luxury and seclusion in a self-catering three-bedroom lodge.
The wooden lodges create the impression that they are floating above the olive trees, having been built ever so carefully so as not to disturb the surroundings. The main lodge houses the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area as well as the main, en-suite bedroom. This bedroom has an extra length king-size bed with a separate bath and shower.
The main lodge is separated from the two-bedroom cottage by a landscaped deck and pool area overlooking the spectacular west-facing views over the vineyards, valley and Table Mountain. The separate cottage comprises two en-suite bedrooms. One of these bedrooms consists of an extra length king size bed and the other consists of twin beds.
Frame-less stack doors open up from the sun lounge onto the stunning splash pool and deck area. Guests can take time out to relax on the sun loungers and a gas braai/BBQ is at their disposal for outdoor cooking.
What to do while you’re there: You can try Hidden Valley’s award-winning wines at their tasting centre 7 days a week. Go for the chocolate and wine pairing which will educate your taste buds on different textures and unique taste profiles. For lazy afternoon drinks, pop into The Deck at Hidden Valley Wines which is a family-friendly self-service eatery with spectacular views.
The wine farm is also home to a beautiful, nature trail walk with vineyard and dam scenery for a great mindfulness moment.
Where: Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch NU, Stellenbosch
Website: hiddenvalleywines.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 880 2646
Facebook: @HiddenValleyWines | Instagram: @hiddenvalleywines
KNORHOEK WINE ESTATE’S FAMILY GETAWAY
Situated in the Knorhoek Valley just outside Stellenbosch, Knorhoek Wine Estate’s easy accessibility makes this working farm the perfect choice for family outings, food and wine experiences, or the ideal summer getaway.
Knorhoek Wine Estate’s offerings include two luxury self-catering cottages, farm-to-table dishes at their restaurant, top wines, a venue for events, picnics, and more.
Parents can enjoy lunch around the pool, or a picnic under a canopy of trees, while their children are free to explore rock pools or expend their energy on a bouncy jumping castle.
Day outings offer a great blast of fresh country air, but weekend getaways allow the whole family more of a chance to take advantage of this 200-hectare Winelands property. Both bed and breakfast and self-catering units are available. Breakfast is served daily, and lunch can be enjoyed at the restaurant.
What to do while you’re there: Knorhoek Wine Estate prides itself on being family-friendly and a safe zone for kids. Children’s Parties are a hit at the estate, which caters to family get-togethers for 50 to 80 guests, as well as for special birthday celebrations.
Guests can also delight in birdwatching, cycling, hiking, or running, or take advantage of a leisurely ramble across the estate – all enjoyed in a safe, beautiful space. A choice of three trail routes offers potential sightings of the local wildlife, such as owls, eagles, porcupines, or even a leopard.
Where: Knorhoek Rd, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch
Website: knorhoek.co.za | Email: i[email protected] | Tel: 021 865 2114
Facebook:@knorhoekwinefarm | Instagram: @knorhoek
